English Idioms & Phrases

English Idioms & PhrasesPart II

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Why Teach Idioms & Phrases?One of the things that really gives a language its character is its idioms, yet when I first started teaching I was always a little wary of spending too much time explicitly teaching them. If I had toput it in a nutshell, i.e. summarize it clearly, I would say that my reluctance stemmed from a fear that learners would find the idioms obscure and struggle to use them correctly.However, experience has taught me differently. Heres why:1)Students very often describe situations for which an idiom is the best way of expressing what they want to say. Giving them the idiom therefore expands their ability to communicate their meaning.2)Learners are often keen to give me a translation of an idiom in their language and very often I can supply the equivalent expression in English. For example, a Korean student told me that in Korean there is an expression along the lines of someone elses rice cake always looks bigger than yours. In English we would sayThe grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.Both of these sayings neatly and memorably express the idea that something which you already have can be appealing just because it belongs to someone else.

Page #3)Its actually impossible to avoid idiomatic language altogether, and many expressions which seem natural to a native speaker have a metaphorical meaning which, once understood, clarifies the expression for learners. For example native speakers often uses the expressionfed upto mean bored and frustrated because they have had enough of something. But how much easier is it to remember once you understand that this feeling has arisen because you have eaten something until you are completely full of it?4)Idioms abound in English for Specific Purposes, for example in Business English we often talk aboutthinking outside the boxto mean not being constrained by conventional thinking.

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5)Learners dont necessarily have to use a lot of idioms but they will need to have the most common ones in their passive knowledge if they wish to maximise their understanding of the language. This is as true of written language as spoken. Newspaper headlines are a good example here.

6)Finally, idioms are an enjoyable way of using language and enjoyment helps us to learn more effectively.Id like to leave you with one final word about how to use idioms, which is that native speakers often just refer to them or use an abbreviated version rather than using the whole expression. Lets look again atThe grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. We can shorten it toThe grass is always greener on the other side, or even justThe grass is always greener. I think its great to be able to express yourself so economically.

Page #1.Keeping my fingers crossed2.Out of this world3.Over one's head4.Pain in the ass5.Piece of cake6.Sooner or later7.Pull someone's leg8.Put oneself in one's place9.I can eat a horse10.Read between the lines11.Rings a bell12.Bug13.Sleep on it14.Play it by ear15.Speak of the devilClick on the phrase you want to learn.16.Grab a bite17.Take it easy18.Go with the flow19.Twenty-four seven20.Under the weather21.Don't sweat it22.You can say that again23.Broke24.Beats Me25.I Don't Buy it26.Keep Your Cool27.Sort Of28.Good For You29.Good Luck30.Shotgun

Page #Keeping my fingers crossedMeaning/Usage: Hoping for good luckExplanation: In recent days, children would cross their fingers when they lie to avoid punishment for telling a lie. Another way this is used is to cross the fingers while making a promise to invalidate the promise. Christians used the gesture of crossing fingers to recognize one another in times of persecution. Therefore, people cross their fingers wishing for good luck from God."Their team is not favored to win. But I hope they do. I'mkeeping my fingers crossed."

"I have a one in ten chance of winning the television. I betterkeep my fingers crossed."

"I hope it works. Let'scross our fingers."

Page #A:"The championship game is tonight. Are you going to watch it?"

B:"Yeah. My favorite team lost their best player. I don't think they will win."

A:"You never know. They can get lucky."

B:"I'mkeeping my fingers crossed."

Page #Out of this worldMeaning/Usage: AmazingExplanation: When something is of this world, it is not normal. This phrase is used to indicate that it is not normal in a positive way. It is so different and amazing that it is not a part of this world."That's the coolest thing I've ever seen. It's reallyout of this world."

"It's totallyout of this world. You're going to be impressed."

"The concert wasout of this world. It was an awesome experience."

Page #A:"Did you see the new 3D movie at the IMAX theatre?"

B:"No. Was it any good?"

A:"It was better than good. It wasout of this world."Other Common Sentences"The movie totally blew me away. It was awesome."

"The essay was very creative and original. I was very impressed."

"I've never seen anything like that before."

Page #Over one's headMeaning/Usage: When something is mentally too difficult to understand.Explanation: To understand something, information needs to goinsidethe brain. This is used to say that the information failed to go inside"I don't know the answer to that problem. The subject isover my head."

"Don't bother explaining it to him. It's wayover his head."

Page #A:"I have to write a paper on the theory of relativity. Do you know anything about it?"

B:"I won't be able to help you. The theory of relativity is wayover my head."Other Common Sentences"I don't understand the meaning. It might be too deep for me."

"It's beyond my comprehension, so don't bother trying to explain it."

Page #Pain in the assMeaning/Usage: A source of trouble or annoyance; used to indicate that something bothers you very much. "Ass" can be seen as profanity, so another way of saying this would be "Pain in the butt" or "Pain in the neck."Explanation: When something gives you trouble and bothers you a lot, it gives you pain. To look for more colorful ways to express this, people started saying "pain in the neck." Another variation came out when people started to say "Pain in the rear end." This later became "Pain in the butt" or "Pain in the ass.""What apain in the ass."

"I had a customer who kept asking easy questions. It was a totalpain in the ass."

"I have a meeting at 7:00 in the morning. It's apain in the asswaking up that early."

"Having to deal with traffic every day is apain in the ass.

Page #A:"I have to go to the post office."

B:"I thought you went yesterday?"

A:"They made a mistake on the postage so the package was returned."

B:"What apain in the ass."Other Common Sentences"Going to get a health check up is a pain in the neck."

"I hate mowing the lawn. It's a real drag."

"I have to pick up my brother at the airport every week. It's a serious burden because I'm busy these days."

Page #Piece of cakeMeaning/Usage: Describes something that is easy to do.Explanation: In the 1870's, cakes were given as prizes for winning competition. To the winner, it was an easy task. Therefore, "cake" started representing something easy. Another phrase that is similar is "cake walk," which also represents something that is easy."You won't have any problems with it. It's apiece of cake."

"It's not that difficult. Actually, it's apiece of cake."

"Learning to type is apiece of cake. It just takes persistence."

"Sociology 101 is apiece of cake. You should get an A in that class."

Page #A:"I have an interview for citizenship tomorrow. Do you know what they ask?"

B:"The only questions they ask are in the manual they provide."

A:"Was it difficult?"

B:"Since all the questions and answers are already provided, it was apiece of cake."Other Common Sentences"My homework today was as easy as pie."

"The assignment was a breeze."

Page #Sooner or laterMeaning/Usage: EventuallyExplanation: When something should happen, but you don't know when it will happen, you can use this term to express that it will eventually happen."Don't keep waiting for him to confess. He'll tell yousooner or later."

"He'll come to his sensessooner or later."

"She'll realize that she's doing something wrongsooner or later."

Page #A:"Why does Sarah date so many guys. Doesn't she know most of them are jerks?"

B:"I know. She needs to get hurt before she'll realize what's going on."

A:"I guess she'll figure it outsooner or later."

B:"Yeah... but I'm hoping it is sooner than later."Other Common Sentences"I'm not worried about it. He'll eventually return my CD."

"I'll graduate from school eventually."

Page #Pull someone's legMeaning/Usage: Making someone believe something that is not true.Explanation: This came from London long time ago where criminals would trip someone to make them fall. After they fall, another criminal acting like they are helping the fallen person would take valuables out of their pocket. Although pulling a leg is not tripping, it can be seen as falling away from the truth."You expect me to believe that? Stoppulling my leg."

"I'm just kidding. I was justpulling your leg."

"I didn't know you believed me. I was justpulling your leg."

Page #A:"I was eating at a restaurant and this lady next to me started eating my food right in front of me."

B:"What? You can't be serious. Nobody would ever do that."

A:You're not gullible at all. I was trying topull your leg."

Page #Put oneself in one's placeMeaning/Usage: To think from another point of view.Explanation: To get a better understanding by thinking from the view of the other person. Another way of saying this is to "put yourself in one's shoe.""What was I supposed to do? Try toput yourself in my place."

"It's easy to be understanding if you alwaysput yourself in the other person's place."

"If youput yourself in my place, you would understand why I did that."

Page #A:"You know I didn't mean to hurt you, but I had no choice."

B:"That's no excuse for what you did to me."

A:"Try toput yourself in my place. What would you have done?"

B:"I see your point."Other Common Sentences"If I were in your shoes, I would have done the same thing."

"I can't blame you because I would have done the same thing if I were in your situation."

Page #I can eat a horseMeaning/Usage: To express the desire to eat a lot of food.Explanation: One explanation is that there is a lot of meat on a horse. Also not many people eat horses, but they would if they are very hungry. Combining the willingness to eat a large quantity of meat, and the willingness to eat meat that is not normally eaten suggests that the person is extremely hungry."I'm so hungry thatI can eat a horse."

"I feel likeI can eat a horseright now."

"If I didn't eat anything for two days, I would feel likeI can eat a horsetoo."

Page #A:"I didn't eat anything all day."

B:"You must be really hungry."

A:"I can eat a horseright now."Other Common Sentences"I'm starving. I think I can eat a whale."

"I'm famished. I could eat anything right now."

Page #Read between the linesMeaning/Usage: To understand the underlying meaning of something that is not completely clear.Explanation: There are no words between the lines. However, there are many written text like poetry, proverbs, or riddles that require you to understand more than what is written to completely understand it. This phrase became popular so people started using it to refer to understanding hidden meaning."If youread between the lines, you would have understood what he was implying."

"Steve isn't very good atreading between the lines. You have to tell him exactly what you want."

"Martha canread between the linesvery well. She picks up on everything."

Page #A:"Did you read chapter three for our English class?"

B:"Yeah. I think the author was indicating that he was supporting the war."

A:"Even though he said one thing, he meant another. You have toread between the linesto fully understand his stance."

B:"That might be true. I should go read it again."

Page #Rings a bellMeaning/Usage: To remember somethingExplanation: A bell is used to alert us of many things such as a door bell, telephone bell, school bell, clothes dryer bell, etc. When we hear the bell, we know what the bell represents. To ring a bell became a way of saying that you remember something. Another explanation comes from Pavlov. He created an experiment where he rang a bell before he gave food to a dog. He did this repeatedly and the dog started to drool before he saw any food because the dog knew the food would come after the bell rang."I can't put my finger on it, but it definitelyrings a bell."

"Itrings a bell, but I'm not one hundred percent sure."

"Oh, oh, oh... thatrings a bell. Where did I see that from?

Page #A:"Did you go to Martha Lake High School?"

B:"Yeah. Why?"

A:"I met this girl. Her name is Jane Summerland. Do you know her?"

B:"That namerings a bell, but I don't remember for sure."Other Common Sentences"That reminds me of something."

"That sounds so familiar."

"I know what you're talking about but I can't pin point it."

Page #BugMeaning/Usage: To annoyExplanation: Bugs, like mosquitoes can be annoying when they are buzzing around your ear, or bothering you in some other way."I need to concentrate on this, so stopbuggingme."

"I need to get out of the house. My little brother has beenbuggingme all day."

"Let's gobugJohn."

"If youbugme one more time, I'm going to kick your butt."

Page #A:"Johnny, will you play Star Craft with me?"

B:"I can't. I'm doing my homework."

A:"Come on. I need someone to play with."

B:"Stopbuggingme. I said I'm busy."Other Common Sentences"Stop pestering me."

"Stop bothering me."

Page #Sleep on itMeaning/Usage: To take time to think about something.Explanation: Some people report that they think more clearly after a good night sleep. Also, some people say they often times regret a decision they have made. When something is important, making a decision after a good night sleep is a good practice."I've been thinking about this problem for two hours. I think I willsleep on it. It might come to me in the morning."

"I don't think I can decide now. Let mesleep on itand I'll tell you my answer tomorrow."

"I'm going to need tosleep on it. I don't want to rush my answer right now."

Page #A:"Do you know if you are going to buy the leather set or the cashmere set?"

B:"I've been thinking about it for three hours. I really can't decide."

A:"Why don't yousleep on it."

Page #Play it by earMeaning/Usage: To decide to do something as the situation develops; choosing to deal with a situation as more events unfold.Explanation: The original meaning is to play music without using a score or music sheet to look at. Just as a musician will play something unplanned without looking at something, this idiom is to do something unplanned depending on the situation."I'll have toplay it by earbecause I don't know how long they want me to work."

"We'll have toplay it by earfor next Friday because everything is uncertain."

"Should we plan something for this Saturday or should weplay it by ear?"

Page #A:"What are you doing next weekend?"

B:"Nothing. Did you want to do something?"

A:"Yeah, but I might have to give my dad a ride to the train station. I don't know the exact time yet."

B:"Let'splay it by earthen. Just call me when you find out for sure."Other Common Sentences"I don't have any reservations tonight so let's just wing it."

"We'll just do things as they come along."

Page #Speak of the devilMeaning/Usage: When someone appears just as you are talking about that person.Explanation: This is from English and is shortened from the original phrase, "Speak of the Devil and he doth appear." The shortened form presented in this lesson became popular."I was at a party last night, and I saw Jake play the guitar in front of an audience...speak of the devil, there's Jake right now."

"Joanne did great on her presentation. Speak of the devil... Hi Joanne."

Page #A:"Andy was walking down the street and he tripped over beggar."

B:"I was there too. It was so funny. He just got up and pretended nothing happened."

A:"Speak of the devil. There's Andy now."

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Grab a biteMeaning/Usage: To get something to eatExplanation: "A bite" refers to food. This is a pretty literal so it is simply saying to get something to eat."When do you want to gograb a bite?"

"I don't have much time, so let'sgrab a quick bite."

"If you didn't have lunch yet, let'sgrab a biteto eat."

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A:"Did you have lunch yet?"

B:"Not yet. I'm swamped with work."

A:"You have to eventually eat so let's justgrab a bitesomewhere close."Other Common Sentences"Let's go eat."

"Where should we have lunch today?"

"Let's have lunch together."

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Take it easyMeaning/Usage: To relax; to stop working so hard; to calm downExplanation: Usually used to calm someone down when they are too excited, or when you want to tell someone to relax because they are working too much."You're pushing yourself too hard. Take it easy."

"Take it easyman. You're putting too much pressure on yourself."

"I don't want totake it easyso stop telling me totake it easy."

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A:"Work has me working seventy hours a week."

B:"You shouldtake it easy. You're going to get sick at this rate."

A:"I wish I could, but I have deadlines to meet."Other Common Sentences"Relax a little. You're overworked."

"Take a little break. You need it."

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Go with the flowMeaning/Usage: To do things as other people are doing it because it is easier to do; to not go against the common way of doing thingsExplanation: Rowing up the river is very difficult to do. If you go with the flow, you are following the path of the least resistance."Why do you do everything differently? You should justgo with the flow."

"If you don't know where the shuttle is, justgo with the flow. Everyone is going in that direction."

"If you don't want to stand out,go with the flow."

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A:"I got a speeding ticket. Do you think I should go to court to fight it?"

B:"What are you going to tell the judge?"

A:"That I was basicallygoing with the flow."

B:"That's not going to work. I would just pay the fine."Other Common Sentences"Do it like everyone else does it."

"If you're unsure how to do it, see how everyone else is doing it."

"The best way not to stand out is to blend in with everyone."

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Twenty-four sevenMeaning/Usage: Constantly; always available; every minute of the day and nightExplanation: There are 24 hours in a day and seven days in a week."7-11 is a great store because they are opentwenty-four seven."

"If a business doesn't providetwenty-four sevencustomer support, they will not succeed."

"You better be careful because I'm going to be watching youtwenty-four seven."

"They're availabletwenty four hours a day, 365 days a year."

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A:"What web hosting place do you recommend?"

B:"Most of them are pretty good. Just make sure they have twenty-four hour technical support."

A:"All of them havetwenty-four sevensupport. It's a necessity these days."Other Common Sentences"The cops are watching this area all-day every-day."

"There's no way to cross the border because they're constantly monitoring all the passage ways."

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Under the weatherMeaning/Usage: Feeling sick; not wellExplanation: When a sailor gets sick on a boat, they would go under the deck and away from the weather to get better. This phrase became popular to express sickness."I'm going to stay home because I'm feelingunder the weathertoday."

"I told my boss that I wasunder the weather. She told me to stay home for the day."

"My wife is feelingunder the weather, so I need to get home early today."

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A:"Why didn't you come to school today?"

B:"I wasunder the weatherthis morning. I need to get some rest."

A:"Well, I hope you start feeling better."Other Common Sentences:"I'm feeling a little sick today."

"I don't feel too well."

"I'm not feeling that great. I think I should get some rest."

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Don't sweat itMeaning/Usage: To tell someone not to worryExplanation: When people worry a lot, they can sweat. This became a popular way to tell someone not to worry."You can't do anything about it, sodon't sweat it."

"You tried your best, sostop sweating it."

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A:"I'm worried about my final examination."

B:"You didn't take it yet?"

A:"I took it yesterday. I'm not sure how I did."

B:"If you tried your best, there's nothing you can do about the results, so don't sweat it."Other Common Sentences"Don't worry about it."

"Nothing you can do about it."

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You can say that againMeaning/Usage: Completely agreeing with a statementExplanation: When you hear something you agree with, you can simply agree. But if you completely agree, then you wouldn't mind hearing it again. This is not literally telling the person to say it again, but to tell the person that you "really" agree.A:"Britney Spears is so hot!"

B:"You can say that again."

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A:"It was a long year. We accomplished quite a bit."

B:"I'm just glad that we're almost done."

A:"You can say that again."Other Common Sentences"I hear ya."

"You got that right."

"Damn right."

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BrokeMeaning/Usage: To have no moneyExplanation: "Broke" is an informal way of saying "broken." Long time ago broken was defined as "having no money" or to "become bankrupt, to fail." Although the meaning long time ago meant bankrupt, it is used regularly just to express you don't have any money at that moment."I'm flatbroke."

"I can't afford to buy that television. I'm totallybroke."

"I can't pay my bills. I'mbroke."

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A:"Let's go see a movie."

B:"I can't. I barely have enough money for food. I'mbrokeuntil my next paycheck."Other Common Sentences"I don't have any money."

"I don't even have a dime to spare."

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Beats MeMeaning/Usage: To not know; to not understandExplanation: Not many resources on this phrase, but could come from beating information out of someone. When someone is holding back information, they would get beat until they tell the answer. In this case, the person could be saying that even if I was beaten, I wouldn't know. Therefore, it became popular to say "beats me" to indicate you do not know."Itbeats mehow they finished before us."

"Beats mewhy he was so mean to you."

"Beats mehow she found out we did it."

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A."So how did you and Tim do in your race?"

B."I finished in third and Tim finished in second."

A."You got third? How did Tim beat you?"

B."Beats me, I guess he has been training really hard."Other Common Sentences"I have no idea how to do this."

"I don't know what he's talking about."

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I Don't Buy itMeaning/Usage: Disagree; to not be convincedExplanation: This phrase comes from a popular way of getting agreement, which is "buy in." For example, a company director can say, "we need buy in from all the board members to proceed." In this statement, "buy in" is getting agreement. Therefore, if you "don't buy it," then you are not agreeing."He said he didn't do it butI don't buy it."

"Their prices are supposed to be better butI don't buy it."

"She said she was sorry butI don't buy it."

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A."So what were you guys arguing about?"

B."He said some mean things to me the other day."

A."Did he apologize to you?"

B."Yes, butI don't buy it."Other Common Sentences"I don't believe it."

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Keep Your CoolMeaning/Usage: To act normalExplanation: "Cool" is described as composure and the absence of excitement in a person. To maintain composure, you wouldn't get excited and you would act normally."I know you're upset but you have tokeep your cool."

"Here she comes,keep your cool."

"Keep your cool. You don't want to mess this up."

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A."Are you ready for your job interview?"

B."Yes, but I'm a bit nervous about it."

A."Justkeep your cooland you will do fine."Other Common Sentences"You need to stay calm."

"Don't let it bother you."

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Sort OfMeaning/Usage: A little; kind ofExplanation: Usually used to express a lesser degree."Dinner wassort ofexpensive."

"Isort oflike her."

"Isort ofknow how to cook."

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A."Do you know how to get to the airport?"

B."Sort of. But it's hard for me to explain."

A."Never mind then, I will just look the directions up."

B."Sorry I couldn't be more help."Other Common Sentences"A little bit."

"I kind of know."

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Good For YouMeaning/Usage: Expressing that you are happy for a personExplanation: This is pretty literal. However, this can be used sarcastically."Good for you, you finally passed your test."

"I heard you got accepted to college,good for you."

"I heard you got married recently,good for you."

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A."I was really surprised when I was offered the promotion."

B."Why is that?"

A."I just figured it would go to someone with more experience."

B."Good for you, you deserve it as much as anyone."Other Common Sentences"I am proud of you."

"All credit goes to you."

Page #Good LuckMeaning/Usage: Wishing someone well. Also can mean that it is not possible.Explanation: The literal definition of wishing someone well is very literal. It is used very frequently in this way. However, another popular way this phrase is used is when you don't think a person can do something. The third sentence below is an example of this."Good luckon your interview tomorrow"

"I heard you're going to look for a new house,good luck."

"Good lucktrying to find a better deal than this one."

Page #A."My son has his first baseball game tonight."

B."Is he nervous?"

A."He is actually very excited for it."

B."Tell him we saidgood luck!"Other Common Sentences"I wish you the best."

"Hope you do well."

Page #ShotgunMeaning/Usage: To claim the front seat in a car.Explanation: Instead of people fighting over who will sit in the front seat, people would decide who gets the front seat by whoever shouts out "shotgun" first."Why does he always get to rideshotgun?"

"If we go to the store with mom I callshotgun."

"I am heading out to the party. Do you want to rideshotgun?"

Page #A."Hey James, mom said she would give us a ride home?"

B."I callshotgun!"

A."That's not fair you always sit in the front seat."

B."You just need to say it before me next time."Other Common Sentences"I will sit in the front passenger seat."

"I get to sit in the front seat next to the driver."

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